Construction Estimator

Top Talent Consulting; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical coverage

Dental & vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Top Talent Consulting is looking for a Construction Estimator in Columbia, SC. This role involves preparing full-cycle estimates and managing budgets for home construction and land development projects. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of residential construction estimating experience and must be proficient in Excel and estimating software, with a strong understanding of the local subcontractor market. The position offers a great growth path and competitive benefits, including 401(k) and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in residential construction estimating.
• Experience with residential home building or production home builders.
• Experience estimating land development and sitework.

Responsibilities

• Prepare full-cycle estimates for home construction.
• Develop and manage budgets for land development and infrastructure.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs from plans.

Skills

Residential construction estimating

Cost control

Estimating software (MarkSystems)

Construction sequencing

Collaborative skills

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Columbia, South Carolina, United States Confidential

We are expanding and seeking a strong Construction Estimator with land development experience who understands horizontal and vertical construction costs.

This is not an entry-level role. We need someone who can own budgets, protect margins, and bring discipline to pricing.

What You'll Own

• Prepare full-cycle estimates for home construction
• Develop and manage budgets for land development, sitework, grading, utilities, and infrastructure
• Perform detailed material takeoffs from architectural and civil plans
• Solicit and level subcontractor bids (vertical + horizontal trades)
• Maintain cost databases and historical pricing
• Analyze cost variances and protect gross margins
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Project Managers, and Field Superintendents
• Identify value engineering opportunities without sacrificing quality

Experience Required

• 5+ years in residential construction estimating
• Experience with residential home building or production home builders
• Experience estimating land development / sitework / grading / utilities
• Strong knowledge of the Columbia, SC subcontractor market
• Proficiency in Excel and estimating software (MarkSystems)
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and cost control

Preferred Background

Experience with:

• Production builders
• Regional residential GCs

Why us?

• Growing builder with strong pipeline
• Opportunity to shape estimating systems and cost controls
• Leadership focused on accountability and performance
• Long-term growth path into Purchasing or Preconstruction leadership
• Retirement planning with a 401(k) + company match—we invest in your future
• Medical coverage so you can focus on work, not healthcare stress
• Dental & vision insurance to keep you feeling and performing your best
• Life insurance to protect what matters most